Not a depression question, but.............

Hi Everyone.  I'm just looking for some feedback or perhaps some validation here.  I have 2 daughters, ages 12 and 16.  I am a single mom and am on a very limited income. 

Every Friday night the girls go to their Dad's and stay until about 7:00 pm on Saturday night when he brings them back.  On Sunday they are all mine (as well as 90% of the school week).  My 12 year old comes to church with me, my 16 year old does not.  Every single Sunday, both my girls (espec. my 16 year old) keep consistently bugging me about how bored they are and want me to take them out somewhere.  This actually starts the night before and goes throughout the day.

To be honest, I don't feel like it is my job to entertain them.  And just driving to a mall to walk around is about 35 mts away.  I would be spending gas $ and lets be honest, how many people can bring two girls to a mall and not manage to spend anything?   But on the other hand, I know Sundays are supposed to be for some quality family time. 

Am I being unfair here?  Or does anyone have any suggestions to share on if there was something I could do with them and not have to worry about the money?  What do other families/single moms out there do?

Thanks ahead!

Cass

Not all activities need to cost money. Have a movie night where you sit in and watch a favorite movie you own with some popcorn, or rent a movie, which is usually fairly cheap. Go for a walk together. Tell them to go read or play a game together, or have a family game night.

I agree that it's not up to you to always entertain them, but I can understand that it can get boring to sit around all weekend, depending on what they do at their dad's. They could do crafts together, draw, paint, watch TV, play sports in the backyard or park, write, etc. Have a girl's night where you do each other's hair and makeup, paint nails, pamper yourselves. Or you could give them chores to do :)